How to Gain Muscle with Supersets

iStock 000016279394XSmall 300x199 How to Gain Muscle with Supersets

“I’m not seeing results anymore.”

The reason why you reach a plateau is because your workout consist of the same old stuff!

Your body needs new stress loads which slightly tears the muscles. During rest time, your muscles rebuild and become even stronger (sorta like a scab growing on the muscle). Now your muscles are able to handle new stresses– which keeps the muscle growth/recovery cycle going.

What is a superset?

A superset is 2 or more exercises done back to back; that target opposing muscle groups. For example, back row and chest press.

What are some of the benefits of supersets?

  • Helps you bust through plateaus
  • Reduces workout boredom
  • Increase muscle size & definition
  • Save time in the gym
  • More muscle = more fat burning!

But supersetting is not the best technique if you are trying to increase muscular strength.

The reason being, these workouts are intense with little breaks preventing you from lifting as heavy.  Doing heavier sets with normal rest periods create a natural strength gain.

How to do supersets

Supersets are more intense than your normal workouts, so you don’t want to do them everyday. This would lead to overtraining.

I typically do supersets twice a week. Here are some sample superset combos to incorporate into your workout routine:

  • squats + deadlifts  (hamstring and quads)
  • squats + calf raises (quads and calfs)
  • shoulder press + close grip push-ups (shoulders and triceps)
  • bicep curls + overhead tricep press (bi’s and tri’s)
  • good mornings + sit-ups (back and abs)
  • push-ups + back rows (back and chest)

How to do the workout

  • Start out with 2-3 sets of 8-10 reps, 2 different exercises each muscle
  • Do each exercise back to back without a break
  • Take a 60-90 second break between sets
  • As you advance–do up to 4 sets and 3 different exercises each muscle group

Stick with one muscle group for 2-4 weeks before switching. After you hit all the muscle groups, take a 2-4 week rest by returning to straight sets. This will give your muscles time to recover fully.
Posted in Fit Tips by Kimberly | 1 Comment

Could Weight Loss Be a Stick of Gum Away?

Fotolia 12173050 XS 300x225 Could Weight Loss Be a Stick of Gum Away?

I’ve heard of having an “after-dinner mint” to settle your stomach, but a stick of gum to lose weight?

That’s exactly what research out of Syracuse University believes. But don’t go buying Trident just yet…

The scientist have found an enzyme called human PYY,  that is part of a chemical system that regulates appetite and energy. When people eat or exercise, PYY is released into the bloodstream. The amount of PYY that is released increases with the number of calories that are consumed. Past studies have shown that people who are obese have lower concentrations of PYY in their bloodstream both when fasting and after eating than their non-obese counterparts. Additionally, intravenous infusion of PYY into a volunteer group of obese and non-obese individuals increased the serum levels of the hormone and lowered the number of calories both groups consumed.

The only problem with this PYY enzyme is that it doesn’t travel through the digestive system well. Researchers have recently found a way to combine B12 to PYY for easy transit through the body. The next steps would be for them to put the B12-PYY combo into a pill supplement or chewing gum.

Hey, don’t skip your workout just yet…

Although the study shows promise, we still need to practice healthy living.  Eating balanced meals and chewing the gum would kick in PYY–making it likely you’ll eat less the next meal.

There are many supplements on the market to help aid in weight loss. But good eating and exercise is key for maintaining a fit body.

Posted in Weight Loss by Kimberly | No Comments

Black Friday Fitness Deals (available NOW)

iStock 000017830036XSmall Black Friday Fitness Deals (available NOW)Not everyone wants flat screen tv’s or laptops…

If you are looking for great fitness gifts, many  retailers are offering DEEP discounts right now. So avoid the lines, stay in your Pj’s and get these deals right now online.

These are just a few of the fit hook-ups I found for ya! Read the rest of Black Friday Fitness Deals (available NOW)

Posted in Exercise by Kimberly | No Comments

3 Things Your Friends Say That Keeps You Overweight

iStock 000007879098XSmall 200x300 3 Things Your Friends Say That Keeps You OverweightWe depend on our friends to lift us up when we are feeling down. So when the conversation turns to fat talk its what your friends say (and don’t say) that can keep you overweight.

This is especially true among women. As soon as we get a group of ladies together, someone says “I look so fat lately” or “I really need to lose weight.”

Your girls got your back, right? It won’t be long before the whole group says stuff like this… Read the rest of 3 Things Your Friends Say That Keeps You Overweight

Posted in Fit Lifestyle, Obesity by Kimberly | No Comments

Wet the Floor Workout

Plank+Rotation 300x239 Wet the Floor WorkoutIn honor of Halloween…

This week’s workout is pretty scary!

You got 6 exercises all for 50 reps…yes I said it, 50 reps yo!

The Workout

1. High Knees

2. Power Punches Read the rest of Wet the Floor Workout

Posted in Workouts by Kimberly | No Comments